Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday promised to implement Article 244A of the Constitution and initiate action against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma if his party comes to power after the Assembly elections scheduled next month, attacking the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over governance, alleged corruption and control over tribal areas.
Addressing an election meeting in Karbi Anglong, Gandhi said Article 244A, which provides for the creation of an autonomous state within the tribal areas of Assam, will be implemented to ensure greater autonomy.
“We are fully committed to implementing 244A and no one will manage your affairs using a remote control from Guwahati. We want you to control your future, manage your politics and take decisions on your territory. Because 244A is a must and we will implement it,” he said.
Article 244A provides for the formation of an autonomous state comprising all or part of the tribal areas of Assam, as listed in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, along with a local legislature or council of ministers. The Sixth Schedule allows for the establishment of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in the tribal areas of Assam, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya.
These elected councils have powers over land, forests, water, resources, social customs and inheritance. In Assam, there are three CDs – Bodoland, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.
Gandhi alleged that the BJP-led governments in the states of Central and Assam have reduced the independence of these councils and allocated large tracts of land for industrial houses.
“Congress believes in decentralization of power as it rests with the people, and all identities have a role in how the country is run. On the other hand, BJP’s ideology believes that Assam and its people should be administered from Delhi. We believe that you should be able to take your own decisions as stipulated in the Constitution,” he said.
“They (BJP) believe that your land, water, forests and other resources are going into the hands of industrial houses. This is not given for free. These lands of yours were given to these industrial houses who in turn paid huge amounts to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who used that money during the elections,” he added.
Targeting the Prime Minister, Gandhi alleged corruption and said strict action would be followed if Congress forms the government.
“Sarma runs a syndicate. When our government is formed, he will shut up and come to us with folded arms. There will be no amnesty and he will have to face the consequences of his corruption,” he said.
In its ‘charge sheet’ issued last month, the Congress accused the chief minister and his family of amassing more than 4,000 acres of land in the state through corruption.
Gandhi also referred to the party’s promises in his manifesto, including a commitment to ensuring justice in the death of cultural icon Zubin Garg. The murder hearings in this case, which involves seven accused, are currently taking place daily in a fast-track court.
“Zubin stood up for Assam and every person in the state. We love and respect him because he represents the multi-cultural and multi-religious identity of Assam,” he said.
He also took up the India-US trade deal, accusing the Center of hurting farmers’ interests by opening markets for US agricultural products and compromising energy and data security.
